Filed under: orlando, orlando vacation, travel, Vacations | Tags: Adventure Island, Big Cat Rescue, Brevard Zoo, Busch Gardens, Castillo de San Marcos, central florida zoo, Christmas, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Cocoa Beach, Cummer Museum of Art, cypress gardens, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Boardwalk, Daytona International Speedway, daytona usa, florida aquarium, Florida Holocaust Museum, Florida International Museum, Great Explorations, Henry B. Plant Museum, Historic Bok Sanctuary, Homosassa Springs, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Zoo, Jacksonville Zoological Gardens, Jungle Adventures, kennedy space center, Lake Wales, Lightner Museum, lowry park zoo, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Melbourne, MOAS, Mote Marine Aquarium, Museum of Science & History, Oldest House, orlando day trips, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Ringling Circus Museum, Ringling Museum of Art, Ron Jon Surf Shop, salvador dali museum, San Sebastian Winery, Sanford, Sarasota, Sarasota Classic Car Museum, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, silver springs, St. Augustine Lighthouse, St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg Museum of History, St. Petersburg Pier, Sunken Gardens, Tampa, Tampa Museum of Art, Winter Haven, World Golf Village, Ybor City
Christmas: Jungle Adventures
Clearwater: Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater Beach
Cocoa Beach: Ron Jon Surf Shop, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Daytona Beach: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona USA, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, Museum of Art & Sciences, Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier
Jacksonville: Cummer Museum of Art, Jacksonville Zoo, Museum of Science & History, Jacksonville Zoological Gardens
Homosassa Springs: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Lake Wales: Historic Bok Sanctuary
Melbourne: Brevard Zoo
Sanford: Central Florida Zoological Park
Sarasota: John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Mote Marine Aquarium, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Ringling Circus Museum, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Sarasota Classic Car Museum
Silver Springs: Silver Springs
St. Augustine: Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, World Golf Village, Lightner Museum, The Oldest House, San Sebastian Winery
St. Petersburg: Salvador Dali Museum, Florida International Museum, Florida Holocaust Museum, Sunken Gardens, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg Museum of History, The Pier, Great Explorations – The Children’s Museum
Tampa: Busch Gardens Africa, Adventure Island, Ybor City, Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, Big Cat Rescue, Tampa Museum of Art, Henry B. Plant Museum, Ybor City State Museum
Winter Haven: Cypress Gardens
For more information about Orlando day trips, visit www.orlando-florida.net/day-trips.
Filed under: disney, Disney World, Vacations | Tags: Disney Commercial, Disney Parks
Filed under: orlando, orlando vacation | Tags: Heather Henson, IBEX Puppetry, Jim Henson, Michelee Puppets, Orange County Regional History Center, orlando, Orlando Museums, Orlando Puppetry Festival, The Dark Crystal
The Orange County Regional History Center has opened two new exhibits, which will be on display until May 10, 2009:
“Creative Minds: Puppetry in Central Florida” showcases puppets from the Orlando Puppetry Festival, Michelee Puppets and Heather Henson’s IBEX Puppetry.
“The Dark Crystal Redux: ‘Klakk smaithh Skwee Kreh” highlights Jim Henson’s groundbreaking film, The Dark Crystal, in 12 character portraits by photographer, John Lawrence Jones.
Admission to the Orange County Regional History Center is $12 for adults, $7 for ages 5-12 and free for ages 4 and under. For more information about the Orange County Regional History Center, visit www.thehistorycenter.org or call (407) 836-8500.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Weekend Getaway, Westgate Resorts, Westgate River Ranch
Westgate River Ranch has launched exclusive Weekend Getaway Specials on Western-themed resort accommodations at the “World’s Largest Dude Ranch!” Nestled on 1,700 acres just over an hour South of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch provides fun and adventure for the entire family. Return to the days of “Old Florida” when the state was home to cowboys and cattle ranchers at this authentic dude ranch.
The myriad of activities at Westgate River Ranch include horseback riding, golfing, hiking, fishing, boating, trap and skeet shooting, swimming, airboat and swamp buggy rides, and a petting zoo. Westgate River Ranch also features hayrides, cookouts, an old-time country store, Smokehouse Grill restaurant and River Ranch Saloon.
Weekend Getaway Specials at Westgate River Ranch include:
• Easter Weekend Package: Spend Easter Weekend at Westgate River Ranch April 10-12, 2009, for just $265 plus tax! A variety of amazing family activities have been scheduled during Easter Weekend at Westgate River Ranch. The Easter Weekend Package features two nights accommodation in a Western-themed Inn Room, Easter Sunrise Service at the marina, and coffee and Danish to follow. Kids will love the Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Petting Farm, Easter Egg Hunt, Ice Cream Sundae Hayride and much more! Note: A two-night stay is required. Package is based on availability. A credit card is required at the time of booking to guarantee a reservation.
• Memorial Day Weekend Package: Kick off the summer in style with a Westgate River Ranch Memorial Day Weekend getaway, May 22-25, 2009, for just $365 plus tax! Enjoy good old-fashioned family fun, including Potato Sack Races, Watermelon Seed Spitting Contests, Water Balloons, Egg Toss and Kid Crafts. The Memorial Day Weekend Package features three nights accommodation in a Western-themed Inn Room, two tickets to the Friday night Wildlife After Sundown Hayride, a picnic lunch for two and games at Tumbleweed Park on Saturday afternoon, Americom Championship Rodeo on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon Kids Rodeo. Note: A three-night stay is required. Package is based on availability. A credit card is required at booking to guarantee a reservation.
So leave all of you city worries behind and experience a “Western-style” change of pace at Westgate River Ranch! Weekend Getaway Specials at Westgate Resorts are based on availability, so call (888) 808-7410 today to book your weekend vacation getaway at Westgate River Ranch or visit www.wgriverranch.com.
Filed under: sea world, SeaWorld Tickets | Tags: Manta, Manta Coaster, Manta Ride, Roller Coaster, SeaWorld, SeaWorld Coaster, SeaWorld Orlando
Manta is scheduled to officially open at SeaWorld Orlando on Friday, May 22, 2009. For more information about SeaWorld Orlando, visit http://www.orlando-florida.net/seaworld/sea-world-orlando.htm.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Chubby Checker, Davy Jones, Disney characters, Epcot, Flower Power Concert Series, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Herman's Hermits, Jose Feliciano, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Rick Nelson, The 5th Dimension, The Nelsons, The Turtles, The Ventures, The Wildcats, Tony Orlando, Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Resorts, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center, Westgate Vacation Villas
With world-class flower and horticultural displays, specially themed weekends and the Flower Power concert series, the 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever! The 16th-annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival offers something for everyone and is included in Epcot’s regular admission price. And spring is a great time to visit Orlando since the weather is ideal and you don’t have to cope with the summer crowds.
Enjoy endless displays of colorful roses, wildflowers and topiary displays of your favorite Disney characters, as well as gardening seminars, workshops, demonstrations and more than 500 native butterflies in Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden at this immensely popular annual Walt Disney World® Resort festival, which runs 75 days this year – from March 18 through May, 2009.
Plenty of children’s activities will be available at the 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival such as the all-new daily Fairy & Princess Procession, Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden (hands-on activities, play structure and colorful topiaries of Disney characters), Pirates Adventure Zone, Let’s Get Moving recreational garden, Green Garden playground area, Character Topiary Scavenger Hunt and Earth Station.
One of the highlights of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is the Great American Gardener Series that will take place at the new Garden Town Festival Center in Future World East (next to Universe of Energy). Presented in partnership with the American Horticultural Society, the 2009 Great American Gardner Series features some of the most respected gardeners and nature experts in the United States such as Jon Carloftis (March 20-22, 2009), Shirley Bovshow (March 27-29, 2009), Susan Belsinger (April 3-5, 2009), Felder Rushing (April 10-12, 2009), Joe Lamp’l (April 17-19, 2009), Jeff Lowenfels (April 24-26, 2009), Joe Washington (May 1-3, 2009), Tom MacCubbin (May 8-10, 2009), Raymond Western (May 8-10, 2009), Melinda Myers (May 15-17, 2009), Robert Bowden (May 22-24, 2009) and Rita Randolph (May 29-31, 2009). Seminars will take place at 12 PM and 3 PM during the days listed above (schedule subject to change without notice).
In addition, the 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will feature a stellar lineup of live entertainment through the Flower Power Concert Series such as Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Davy Jones, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone and Jose Feliciano. All concerts will take place at the America Gardens Theatre at 5:15 PM, 6:30 PM and 7:45 PM during the dates specified below. Concerts are included with regular Epcot admission.
2009 Flower Power Concert Series
March 20-22, 2009 – Davy Jones (“Daydream Believer”)
March 27-29, 2009 – Paul Revere & The Raiders (“Good Thing”)
April 3-5, 2009 – The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie (“Happy Together”)
April 10-12, 2009 – Herman’s Hermit’s starring Peter Noone (“I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”)
April 17-19, 2009 – The Ventures (“Hawaii Five-O”)
April 24-26, 2009 – Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes (“If You Don’t Know Me By Now”)
May 1-3, 2009 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats (“The Twist”)
May 8-10, 2009 – Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons (“Love and Affection”)
May 15-17, 2009 – Jose Feliciano (“Light My Fire”)
May 22-24, 2009 – The 5th Dimension (“Up, Up and Away”)
May 29-31, 2009 – Tony Orlando “(Tie a Yellow Ribbon”)
Note: Concerts and show times are subject to change without notice.
Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your stay in Orlando to attend the 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers spacious villas, first-class amenities and convenient access to Disney World theme parks and area attractions. Choose from Westgate Resorts properties such as Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.orlando-florida.net/hotels.
Filed under: disney, Disney World, Epcot, hotels, orlando, universal orlando, Universal Studios, Vacations, Westgate Resorts | Tags: Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill Invitational, Central Florida Fair, Central Florida Home & Garden Show, Disney World, Epcot, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Florida Film Festival, Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, New Orleans, PGA Tour, Phil Mickelson, SeaWorld, Spring Fiesta in the Park, Tiger Woods, universal orlando, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World Resort, Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Resorts, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center, Westgate Vacation Villas, Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
In addition to world-class theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, the Orlando area offers a variety of festivals, events and fairs in 2009 that are sure to please visitors and residents alike. On most weekends throughout 2009, but especially during spring, you’ll discover lively festivals and events going on somewhere in Orlando.
Many of Orlando’s most popular spring festivals and events are hosted by area theme parks and the 2009 lineup includes Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, the largest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans, runs every Saturday night through Saturday, April 18, 2009; and the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which features world-class flower and horticultural displays, from March 18 through May 31, 2009.
In most cases, these special events at Disney World and Universal Orlando during 2009 are included in the cost of the base ticket, providing an added benefit to your theme park excursion. And spring is a great time to visit Orlando since the weather is perfect and you can get a jump on the summer crowds.
Outside of the theme parks, major spring festivals and events in the Orlando area include the Arnold Palmer Invitational (formerly known as the Bay Hill Invitational), which draws top professional golfers on the PGA Tour such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, from March 23-29, 2009; the 11-day Central Florida Fair, which features carnival rides, live music, regional arts and crafts, food, livestock shows and amazing interactive exhibits from April 16-26, 2009; and the Central Florida Home & Garden Show, the region’s largest consumer home and garden showcase, from March 13-15, 2008.
Art and culture lovers will enjoy such Orlando festivals as the 18th-annual Florida Film Festival, which has been voted as the 8th-best film festival in the United States by the Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide to Film Festivals, from March 27 – April 5, 2009; Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, one of the country’s most prestigious outdoor art festivals, from March 20-22, 2009; and Spring Fiesta in the Park, which displays the talents of more than 200 artists and craftspeople from all over the country, April 4-5, 2009.
Good sources for more information on upcoming Orlando festivals and events include the “Orlando Seasonal Events” section of the Orlando, Florida Guide, as well as the Friday entertainment sections of the Orlando Sentinel and the Orlando Weekly, a weekly arts and entertainment publication. In addition, check out Orlando’s online calendar at orlandoinfo.com, the official website of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your next Orlando vacation getaway? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers spacious villas, first-class amenities and convenient access to Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks, as well as other Orlando area attractions. Choose from Westgate Resorts properties such as Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.orlando-florida.net/hotels.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational, Arnold Palmer, Bay Hill Citrus Classic, Bay Hill Classic, Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Bay Hill Invitational, Ben Crenshaw, Ben Hogan, Ernie Els, Florida Citrus Open, Florida Citrus Open Invitational, Fred Couples, Fuzzy Zoeller, Hertz Bay Hill Classic, Lee Trevino, MasterCard, Nestle Invitational, Paul Azinger, Payne Stewart, Phil Mickelson, Sam Snead, Tiger Woods, Tom Kite, Vijay Singh
The 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational will take place from Monday, March 23 through Sunday, March 29, 2009, at the 7,137-yard, par-70 course at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Presented by MasterCard, The Arnold Palmer Invitational draws the world’s top professional golfers on the PGA Tour.
The event traces its history back to 1966 when it began as the Florida Citrus Open Invitational. Over the years, it has also been known as the Florida Citrus Invitational, Florida Citrus Open, Bay Hill Citrus Classic, Bay Hill Classic, Hertz Bay Hill Classic, Nestle Invitational and Bay Hill Invitational. Palmer has owned Bay Hill Club & Lodge since 1976.
Tiger Woods captured the 2008 Arnold Palmer Invitational – his fifth win at the golf tournament since 2000! It was Woods’ 64th victory on the PGA Tour, tying him with Ben Hogan for third place on the career list behing Sam Snead (82 victories) and Jack Nicklaus (73 victories). Woods also became the first player in PGA Tour history to win four different tournaments at least five times each.
Other previous winners of the tournament include Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, Lee Trevino, Arnold Palmer, Fred Couples, Payne Stewart, Ernie Els, Paul Azinger, Fuzzy Zoeller, Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw.
Admission is charged to the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Ticket options include the all-new King’s Club ($2,000), Bay Hill Badge ($300), Clubhouse Badge ($200), Palmer Pavilion Badge ($185), Grounds Badge ($95), Gold Patron Package ($3,500), Bay Hill Patron Package ($2,800), Practice/Pro Am Ticket ($35) and Any One Day Ticket ($45). In addition, daily parking is $20. For more information about the 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational, visit www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com.
Filed under: orlando, orlando vacation, Vacations | Tags: Baldwin Park Arts Festival, Lorraine Turner, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera Company, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
The third-annual Baldwin Park Arts Festival will take place this Saturday, March 14, 2009, from 10 AM to 5 PM. The event will feature local artist booths throughout the Village Center Courtyard and live entertainment provided on the fountain stage. Staged entertainment will include professional arts veteran producers such as Orlando Ballet and Orlando Opera Company.
In addition to staged performances, various groups such as Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, will perform “vignettes” throughout the day in strategically placed positions along New Broad Street in the popular and fast-growing Orlando community. At 4 PM, the fountain stage will turn up the heat with a fashion show exhibiting clothing from local merchants. The fashion will be showcased by local models. This year’s poster will be an original work designed by Lorraine Turner.
For more information about the Baldwin Park Arts Festival, visit www.baldwinparkartsfestival.com.
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